Chase the Light

Fisher’s spirited latest National Parks Summers novel (after Capture the Moment) follows a motley crew on a scavenger hunt through northern Maine. When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson finds a mysterious envelope near one of the park’s abandoned lighthouses, she’s amazed to discover a series of cryptic clues detailing the locations of caches of gold coins hidden throughout the park. Chief Ranger Tim Rivers recruits Wabanaki “Naki” Dana, a member of the Penobscot Nation and Acadia expert, to help Scout analyze the clues before any reckless tourists hear of the potential windfall. But it isn’t long before the secret reaches Chase Fletcher, a headstrong journalist who believes the once-in-a-lifetime scoop could revive his family’s failing local newspaper. Chase negotiates a spot on Naki and Scout’s investigative team in return for delaying the story’s publication, but inadvertently loses the envelope, raising the stakes. As Scout, Naki, and Chase race to collect the gold before it can fall into the wrong hands, Scout grapples with her faith, her burgeoning feelings for both of her companions, and the painful childhood memory that brought her to Acadia in the first place. The treasure hunt provides a strong, fast-moving engine for the story, while Scout’s conversations with Naki about the park’s Native American history add emotional depth. Series fans will want to dive in. (May)